Well washing apparatus



April 22, 1941. P, w. APPLE-BY WELL WASHING APPARATUS 2 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Feb. 29, 1940 f @awww April 22, 1941.

l P. w. APPLEBY 2,239,586 WELL WASHING APPARATUS Filed Feb. 29, 1940 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Pater W. Appleby Patented Apr. 22, 1941 UNITED STATES PATENT GFFICE WELL WASHING APPARATUS Peter W. Appleby, Odessa, Tex. Application February 29, 1940, Serial No. 321,561

(Cl. Z55-1) Claims.

This invention relates to` an; improvement in well washing devices, particularly for the cleaning of debris from the walls of deep wells by theforcing of liquid under pressure against the sides of the bore to wash down the debris therefrom for removal.

In the drilling in and cleaning out of oil wells, it is customary practice to circulate washing fluid, such as oil, downward throughthe casing outside the drill step for upward circulation through the drillstem to carry of! the cuttings and particles of debris loose in the well. After I the major portion of the debris thus loosened has been removed, some of the debris remains adhering to the sides of the well bore, and it is desirable to direct jets of liquid against such sides for washing down the debris adhering thereto.

It has been the practice-to accomplish this ac tion by opening ports in the sides of the drill stem and circulating washing fluid, such as oil, downwardly through the drill stem for discharge through such ports against the sides of the well bore. The opening of the ports has been accom-k plished by the introduction of an auxiliary member into the drill stem to open a port controlling valve in a side thereof, while also closing the passageway therebelow, to eject the washing fluid through the ports, as set forth in my prior application on Well tools, Serial No. 204,095, filed February 2, 1939.

This action results in a loss of time inasmuch as the member thus introduced must travel downward a considerable distance in the bore of the drill stem before it can accomplish its function, and unless provision is made for retaining the member inan upper `portion of the drill stem, the equipment must be disconnected for the in'- troduction oi' the member therein and for its removal after the washing operation.

The object of this invention is to overcome these objections by controlling the washing action automatically directly froml the washing fluid forced in one direction or the other through the drill stem, thus providing a simple and eilicient well washing apparatus which will effectively accomplish the desired result without dan'- ger of being choked by an auxiliary member, and

, tion of flow of fluid through the drill stem.

which is not only automatic but also instantly ward flow therethrough, provision is-made for opening the side ports automatically to discharge the washing fluid therethrough in theform of Y jets against the sides of the well bore, thereby These features are embodied in a preferred form of the invention which is illustrated in the` accompanying drawings, together with a modification thereof, in which:

Fig. 1 is a vertical, sectional view through a well and portion of a well casing, showing in side elevation a rotary drilling unit having the invention applied thereto;

Fig, 2 is a vertical sectional view through the washing tool; y

Fig. 3 is a. horizontal sectional view therethrough on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a vertical sectional view through a modified form of washing tool; Fig. 5 is a side elevation thereof; and Fig. 6 is a horizontal sectional view therethrough on the line .6 6 of Fig. 4. v

' The invention is shown in Fig. v1 in connection with rotary drilling apparatus of more or less conventional form, shown as used for drilling out a well bore designated generally bythe' numeral I. 'I'he drilling apparatus utilizes a string of pipe constituting a drill stem 2; opera-i tively connected with a rotary table 3 of a conventional rotary rig or other rotating apparatus.;

The rotary table 3 is designed for rotating the drill stem 2 while permitting upward and downward movement of the drill stem relative thereto.

To accomplish the drilling operationythe drilll through the drill bit to or from the axial opening through the drill stem 2.

The drilling apparatus operates in a casing i which lines the sides of the well downwardly fror'n the surface -of the ground to a point adjacent the lower portion thereof, and which casing 5 `is closed at'its upper end around the drill stem 2 by a packing gland 6 of conventional construction. A pipe l is show-n as connected with one side of the casing 5, while a pipe 8 is connected with the upper end of the drill Vstem 2. The pipes 'l and 8 are used alternately as inlet and discharge pipes, one being connected with a source of fluid supply, such as a pump, for circulating' the washing fluid, such as oil, downwardly through the vwell for discharge through the other pipe which leads to a sump, pit, tank, or the like. In drilling in and cleaning out a Well, the bore I below with casing is partly or entirely filled with debris, broken rock, dirt, etc., which should be removed therefrom. This is accomplished by circulating the washing fluid through the pipe l,

and downwardly through. the casing and the bore I under considerable pressure, which will `carry off the debris through the drill stern '2, the

Afluid finding an outlet through the drill bit 4 into the drill stem, the reduced size of which outlet increases the velocity of the fluid to such an extherefrom, which makes itV desirable to impart jets of washing fluid against the sides as the drill stem is moved up and down in the bore.

,. For this purpose, Ihave provided a washing tool, designated generally by the numeral 9, connected at the lower end of the string of pipe constituting the drill stem 2, preferably between the drill stem 2 and the drill bit as shown.

The washing tool 9 is shown in Fig. 2 as constructed of an elongated tubular collar IID, the upper end of which is screwetnreaded at II to the lower end of the string of pipe, while the lower end is provided with tapered screw-threads I2 for attachment of the drill bit t thereto.

The collar IIJ is provided with lateral ports I3 in the sides thereof, preferably adjacent the screwthreaded drill stem connection II, which ports I3 are formed as radial holes in the sides of the-collar I0. The ports I3 are normally closed by a sleeve valve I slidably mounted in an enlarged bore I5 formed in the collar Ill, between a shoulder I6 at the lower end of the bore and the lower end of the connected drill stem pipe 2. A coiled spring I1 normally tends to press the sleeve valve I4 upwardly in port closing position, said spring being interposed between the lower end of the sleeve valve It and a shoulder' I8 in the collar Ill.

A check valve I9 is mounted in the sleeve valve I4, being pivotally connected therewith at 20, which valve I9 has a downwardly turned lip or flange 2| on the free edge thereof in position to engage and bear upon a pin 22 which extends Aradially in a side of the sleeve valve I4 opposite the pivot I9. The valve I9 is constructed of semi-circular shape in cross section as shown in Fig. 3, which causes it to conform to the tubular shape of the sleeve valve I4 and prevents any appreciable reduction in the bore therethrough o and through the washing tool 9 from the string of pipe 2, which permits of substantially full ow of fluid therethrough when the valve is open.

During the normal drilling in and cleaning out operation when the washing fluid is forced downward outside the drill stem 2 for upward circulation therethrough in carryingv off the cuttings and the debris, the sleeve valve I4 will close the ports I3 under the infiuence of the spring I1 and the upward circulation of washing fluid through the drill stem will hold the valve I9 open, permitting full flow of fluid therethrough.

However, when it is desired to apply jets of washing fluid against the side walls of the well bore I, it is only necessary to reverse the direction of circulation and pump the washing fluid downward through the drill stem, where the fluid will act on the ange- 2l` of the check valve I9 to cause said check valve to swing downward'from its full line position in Fig. 2 to its dotted line position,l closingfthe bore through the washing tool 9. The force of the huid acting on the check valve I9 will cause downward movement of the sleeve valve I4 'against' the shoulder I6, which will open the ports I3 and discharge the washing fluid therethrough in `the `form of jets against the side walls of the well bore I with suicient' force to remove therefrom any adhering debris or cuttings. The drill stem may be moved up and down relative to the weil bore and turned relative thereto for effectively washing the bore throughout the major portion thereof for removing the debris therefrom.

' After this washing action by the jets, the normal direction of circulation is resumed downward through the casing and upward through the vdrill stem for carrying off the debris and cuttings thus washed down from the side walls of the bore. After the pressure of the washing fluid is removed from a downward direction on the check valve I9, and the normal direction of circulation is resumed whereby fluid is forcedupward kunder pressure through the drill stem, this upward direction of circulation will act against the under side of the check valve I9 turningit from the dotted line position lin Fig. 2 tothe full line position therein, opening the bore through the tool and the drill stem, and allowingthe spring I1 to move the sleeve valve I4 to its closed position, as shown inFig.v 2.

A modified form of the invention is shown in Figs. 4 to 6 in which a collar 25 is provided with an axial bore 26 therethrough. A plug 21 extends radially through a side of the collar 25 beyond the axial bore 26 therein, and is fixed in position in the collar by being screw-threaded thereto as at 28. The plug 21 may also be welded at 29 if desired, to hold it securely in set position, in proper relation to the axial bore 2S in the collar. Spanner wrench holes 30 are provided .in the outer end of the plug 21 to facilitate the screwing of the plug into the side of the collar 25.

The plug 21 has a transverse passageway 3l therethrough of a size and shape substantially correspond-ing .with the axial bore 26 in the collar, and the passageway 3l is preferably arranged in longitudinal alignment with said axial bore, as shown in d, 'the plug 21 being turned to proper position therefor and securely held in place by the screw-threaded*connection 23 alone or .with the welded connection 29. The plug 2l has a longitudinal opening 32 extending transversely from a side of the passageway 3 I, adapted to form a discharge port for the washing fluid, which opening 32 is preferably of frusto-conical shape with the larger endinward for constricting the discharge port to increase the velocity of the uid ejected therethrough. This opening 32 may be bored out in vthis shape from the inner end of the plug upon removal of a closure 33 inserted therein.

A check valve 34 is mounted in the passageway 3l through the plug 21, being pivoted thereto at 35, and having an offset flanged edge 36 in position to engage a pin 38 extending into the passageway 3l on the opposite side from the pivot 35 when the check valve 34 is turned downward from its full line position in Fig. 4 to the dotted line position therein. The check valve 34 carries a valve plug 39 on the back face thereof which seats in the inner end of the opening 32 when the valve 34 is raised to its open position, thereby closing the discharge opening or port 32 against the outward passage of fluid therethrough from within the bore of the washing tool. The outer end of the port 32 is closed against the inward flow of fluid therethrough, by a check valve 40 which is pivoted at 4I in a recess 42 formed in the end of the plug 21. The check valve 40 is adapted toseat in the end of the opening' 32 when itis suspended in its full line position in Fig. 4,' from which it may swing upward to its dotted lineI position therein One or more additional plugs may' be provided in the collarA with valvesi for controlling discharge ports therein,` as. may be desired. One additional plug is at, 46 screw-threaded into the opposite side of the collar 25, and having; a discharge: port, ory opening 46 of frustooonieal shape. similar to the opening 32 described ahora. The.- port 46 is adapted to be closed at its inner end by a check `valve 41 having its lower edge pivotally supported at 43 to the 'end of the plug 45, while the upper edge thereot has an inturned flange 43. The outer end of the port^46 is closed by a check valve 64 pivoted at 5i at its upper edge within a recess 52 in the outer end of the plug 45.

During the normal washing operation in which the washing fluid isforced downward through the easing and upward through the drill stem, the force of the liquid nowing upward through the collar 25 will hold the check valve 34 open in the full line position in Fig. 4 allowing substantially full ow of fluid therethrough. The ow of iiuid will also act against the ilange 49 on the check valve 41 ,to close the latter in its full However, when it is again desired to Wash the.

well, it is merely necessary to reverse lthe circulation and pump the washing fluid downward through the drill stem, which will act on iianges 36 and 43 oi the valves 34 and 41 to move these valves downward to their dotted line positions in Fig. 4. The valve 34 will close the axial passageway 3l and prevent the downward iiow of the fluid from the axial bore 26 of the Washing tool. At the same time the ports 32 and 46 will be opened from the inside, allowing the lateral discharge of the washing fluid therethrough, the pressure of which will open the check valves 40 and 5l) to the dotted line positions in Fig. 4, which ejects the washing fluid through the outwardly tapering ports at high velocity against 'the surrounding wall of the well bore, providing sumcient force to remove the adhering particles cfdebris and cuttings therefrom, loosening these for discharge when thenormal circulation of the washing iiuid 'is resumed after the washing action is completed.

The check valve 34 maybe disposed at any y desired point in the string of pipe or in the bit, below the discharge port 32. Excessive pressure outside the Washing tool will effectively hold the check valves 40 and 50 seated, and is suf- L ports 32 and 46 are opened under iiuid pressure,

lthey will eject a solid, unbroken stream, of washing iiuid to effect the washing'of the walls oi the well. Any valve which diverts the direction. of the stream or breaks the iiow in any manner` has a tendency to cause atomization of the fluidi.

and thereby lose the effect oif the solid stream. ejection against the Walls of the well. I claim: i l l. A well washing tool comprising; a bodyhaving an axial opening therethrough. and adapted for connection with a stringy pipe, said bodyv having a lateral opening in for communication with said axial opening, and means j mounted in the body inv position for movement to a closed position in, idle-axial opening below.A

the lateral opening in response to.- downward fluid fiow in the axial 'opening for closing -said axial opening vand directing the fluid through the .lateral opening', said means. beingconstructed for movement laterally of theboclyI out ofthe path of iiuid flow through said axial opening. 2. A Well washing tool comprising a body having an axial opening therethrough and adapted for connection with a string of pipe, said body having a lateral opening in position for cornmunication with said axial opening, and a check valve mounted in the body at one side of the axial opening below the lateral opening in position. for movement to a seated position inv said axial opening in response to downward ow of Washing fluid therethrough.

j ing forupward flow of fluid therethrough and for i check valves 40 and 50 are mounted in the re.. 75

3. A Well washing tool comprising a body having an axial opening therethrough and adapted for connection withl string of pipe,` saidk body having a lateral opening in position for communication with said axial opening, a check valve mounted in the body at one side of the axial opening below the lateral opening in position for movement to a seated position in said axial opening in response to downward flow of washing for connection with -a string of pipe, said body having a lateral opening `in position for com- `munication with said vaxial openingfand'a check valve pivotally mounted in the vbody at one side of the axial opening in position. for swinging movement substantially out of said axial openmovement to a closed positionin the axial opening preventing downward fluid ow therethrough, said check valve being in position for movement in response to the fluid flow through through, said check valve being in position for movement in response to the fluid flow through the axial opening to said respective positions, and

a check valve in' position for controlling the lateral opening and constructed and arranged for movement in response to therst-mentioned check valve for opening the last mentioned check valve when the first-mentioned check valve is in said closed position for flow of iiuid through said lateral opening.

- 6. A well washing tool comprising a body having an axial bore therethrough and adapted for connection with a string of pipe, said body having a lateral opening therein in position for communication with the axial opening, means mounted in saidv body normally in a retracted position out of closing relation with the axial opening and movable to a closed position. in said axial opening to prevent downward circulation therethrough, and means connected with said closing means for closing said lateral opening when said closing means is in a retracted position and for opening said lateral opening when said closing means is in' a closed position in the axial opening.

7. A well washing tool comprising a body having an axial opening therethrough and having a lateral opening imposition for communication with said axial opening, a check valve pivotally mounted in the body at one side of the axial opening, said check valve being constructed of arcuate cross-section substantially corresponding with the curvature of the axial opening in position to be disposed at one side of said opening in a retracted position and having an offset flange thereon opposite the pivot in position to be acted on by the fluid flow through the axial opening for moving the check valve to a closed position. v

8. A well washing tool comprising a body hav- 'ing an axial opening therethrough for iiow of iiuid therethrough and having a lateral opening in position for communication` with said axial opening, a sleeve valve mounted in the body in position for controlling the lateral opening, and a cheek valve pivotally connected with the sleeve valves for movement into said opening for closing the same and causing opening movement of the sleeve valve by the pressure acting thereon.

9. A well washing tool comprising a -body having an axial opening therethrough, a plug inserted radially in said body and having an opening therein in position for communication with the axial opening, a valve pivotally connected with the plug and supported thereby in position for controlling the opening therein, and means mounted in the body below said opening for closing the axial opening and directing fluid flow therethrough. 'v

l0. A well washing tool comprising a body having an axial opening therethrough, a plug extending radially in said body and having a lon. gitudinal opening therein in position for commuJ nication with the axial opening forming a lateral discharge port therefor, a valve Divotally mounted on the plug above said port in position for controlling uid flow therethrough and being mounted for outward swinging movement lby iiuid pressure through said port, and means for closing the axial opening below said port for directing nuid pressure outwardly therethrough.

n 11. A well washing tool comprising a body having an axial opening therethrough, a. plug extending radially in said body and having a longitudinal opening therein in' position for communication with the axialP opening forming a lateral discharge port therefor, a. valve pivotally mounted on the plug above said port in position for controlling fluid iiow therethrough and being mounted for outward swinging movement by iiuid pressure through said port, land a valve pivotally mounted on the plug at one side of the axial opening in position for swinging movement to a closed position in said opening for directing uid now laterally through the port.

12. A well washing tool comprising a body having an axial opening therethrough, a plug exI tending radially in said body and having a longitudinal opening therein in position for communication with the axial opening forming a lateral discharge port therefor, a valve pivotally mounted on the plug above said port in position for controlling fluid flow therethrough and being mounted for` outward' swinging movement by fluid pressure through said port, and a valve pivotally mounted on the plug at one side of theA axial opening in position for swinging movement to a closed position in said opening for directing fluid flow laterally through the port, said valve having means connected therewith for seating in the inner end of the port in a retracted position thereof to prevent outward now of iiuid through said lateral discharge port.

13. In a well washing device, the combination of a string of piper` having drilling means connected therewith, means for circulating fluid in opposite directions through said string of pipe, a collar connected in said string of pipe and having a lateral discharge porttherein, means for controlling the flow of fluid through said port, and means permanently mounted in said string of pipe below said port for closing the same against downward flow therethrough and directing the uid laterally through said discharge port.

14. In a well washing device, the combination of a string of pipe having drilling means connected therewith, means for circulating fluid in opposite directions through said string of pipe, a collar connected in, said string of pipe and having a lateral discharge port therein, means for controlling the now of fluid through said port, and a check valve mounted in the string of pipe in position for movement to a closed position below the lateral port for preventing downward circulation therethrough and directing the fluid into the port.

f 15. In a well washing device, the combination of a string of pipe-having drilling means connected therewith, means for circulating iiuid in opposite directions through said string of pipe, a collar connected in said string of pipe and having a lateral discharge port therein, means for controlling the flow of ud through said port, and a check valve pivotally mounted in said co1- lar normally in a retracted position and in position for swinging movement to close the passageway through said string of pipe and prevent downward circulation of fluid therethrough while directing said fluid through the lateral discharge port. i f

PETER W. APPLEBY. 

